Clarecastle were crowned U16A Ladies Football Shield champions after a thrilling and high-scoring final victory over Newmarket on Fergus in Fr. McNamara Park this evening.

In a very competitive game Clarecastle started well with early goals from Biborka Benko and Alli Donnelly. Newmarket on Fergus stayed in the game with goals of their own, but Clarecastle kept the scoreboard ticking over with points from Saoirse Quinn, Sophia Heta and Ciara Healy to lead by two points at half time.

Clarecastle continued strongly after the break with points from Saoirse Quinn, Holly Farmer and Clara Vaughan before Ciara Healy scored an important goal. Newmarket on Fergus came back with three quick goals to make it a very close contest, but Clarecastle responded brilliantly.

Alli Donnelly added some important scores from frees and play, while Biborka Benko scored a crucial second goal late in the game. Ciara Healy then finished the scoring with another goal in injury time to secure a strong win for Clarecastle.

It was a great team performance by the girls right to the final whistle to win the title.

Full Time 
Clarecastle: 5-16(31)
Newmarket on Fergus: 6-2(20)

Clarecastle scorers:

Biborka Benko 2-1
Ciara Healy 2-3
Alli Donnelly 1-6 (3f)
Saoirse Quinn 0-2
Sophia Heta 0-2
Holly Farmer 0-1
Clara Vaughan 0-1

Clarecastle substitutions: Aoife Vaughan for Sophia Heta (7 mins 2nd Half), Ailbhe Concannon for Emma Jacobs (16 mins 2nd Half), Caoimhe McNamara for Grace Dwyer (28 mins 2nd Half), Andrea Carroll for Siofra Quinn (30 mins 2nd Half).

Team: Gemma Minogue Clune, Siofra Quinn, Emily Quinn, Emma Jacob, Lauren Reidy, Mairead McNamara, Ellen Keogh, Clara Vaughan, Alli Donnelly, Saoirse Quinn, Ciara Healy (C), Grace Dwyer, Holly Farmer, Biborka Benko, Sophia Heta, Annabelle McFadden, Abbey Lynch, Andrea Carroll, Caoimhe McNamara, Deirbhile Cullen, Jena Amara, Ailbhe Concannon, Aoife Vaughan and Keeva Moloney.

Thank you to the management, Joe Quinn, Ina Healy, Alan Cullen, Donal Vaughan and Claire O’Loughlin.

A huge thank you to Ciaran Kelly for coming along and capturing some fantastic photos.